New York Yankees Prospects: Meet Some!

I came across some pictures a woman named Lisa from Staten Island posted on Facebook today. They’re good pictures that appear to have been taken at the Staten Island Yankees welcome dinner.

It’s not everyone from the team. I assume that there are guys missing because they were either playing in the college world series, or had not signed a contract at the time. That is probably why guys like shortstop Addison Maruszak and third round draft pick David Adams aren’t included.

Not many of these guys are counted amongst the Yankees' top prospects, but I figured I would post the pictures and tell you something about each of them. That way, if a few of them have breakthrough seasons, my faithful readers won’t be completely ignorant about them.

This is David Phelps. He was probably considered the ace of the SI staff. In 72.2 innings, he had an 8-2 record with a 2.72 ERA. At this point in his development, he is trying to fine-tune his mechanics to make himself more consistent. This is so he can replicate his successful sophomore season with Notre Dame, where he had a 1.88 ERA over 110.1 innings.

Taylor Grote has quite a few decent tools, including some pretty good hands at the plate. However, he has a long way to improve before being considered a top prospect. His strikeout totals were great in 2008.

Ray Kruml is a speedy center fielder who, if he can improve his patience at the plate and add more power, could end up being like a better Brett Gardner.

Pat Venditte was a fan favorite because he can throw with both hands. He did it very well in 2008, but his stuff needs improvement if he’s going to continue to get batters out as he progresses. Not many players are nicer than him.

Mitch Abeita is a hard working catcher. He takes his game seriously. There are quite a few catchers in the organization with more promise, but he is working hard to improve every aspect of his game. Pitchers love working with him.

Yankees’ 2008 eighth round draft pick Dan Brewer. He played right field and had a pretty good arm.

Melky Mesa played center field and both corner spots as well. He has a better arm than Brewer, and most players in the Yankees system. If only he could lay off anything at all, he would be a much better prospect.

Andy Shive had an impressive season, going 9-2 with a 1.96 ERA. He struck out 50 in 46 innings of relief.